Ethical Considerations in Clinical Psychology

Sherbano

Ethical principles are central in clinical psychology as they assist the clinician avoid harming or compromising the welfare of the clients. Some of the priority ethical principles include; confidentiality, informed consent, therapist-client dual relationships, cultural sensitivity, and competent practice. 

 Confidentiality plays a significant role because it helps to maintain clients’ information security that is helpful in developing trust. As a matter of fact this is not always the case, for example there are situations in which the client is dangerous to himself or others, other people are at risk of being harmed or there is legal requirement to make a report of abuse/neglect. 

 Informed consent  then ensues by providing the client with relevant information about the therapy which include the magnitude of the problem, the possible side effects of therapy as well as the potential gains the client is likely to reap from therapy. This is because it helps clients to become informed in the process and responsibility of their own healing. 

 Boundaries of participation  demand that the psychologists have to maintain proper client relationships and not get into a situation where they may have to be in a dual relationship with a client. This helps to maintain the professional bond that is between the therapist and the client. 

 Cultural competence is very essential in today’s society given that the population is diversifying. Coming to cultural competence, we understand that therapists must treat all their clients with cultural sensitivity, accept all their beliefs, and if psychologists lack enough practice in this area, they have to learn more about it. 

Competence  is that, a psychologist can only offer services which he/she is qualified for or trained to offer and also, that the continued professional development is crucial. According to the above stated ethical principles, clinical psychologists will be in a position to deliver good services with regard to the rights of the clients and their overall welfare.